Primary prevention for childhood obesity is now more crucial than ever, according to a recent article in Contemporary Pediatrics. The American Academy of Pediatrics has released a new clinical report entitled “The Role of the Pediatrician in Primary Prevention of Obesity,” and according to Stephen R. Daniels, MD, PhD, FAAP, chair of the department of pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and pediatrician-in-chief at Children’s Hospital Colorado in Denver, the biggest update in the report is “the recognition that there has been far more research into treating obesity than preventing it.”

Dr. Daniels says that obesity must be thought of in a different way; while physicians struggle to treat obesity, a focus should be on preventative measures to help stop the epidemic. And parents need to step up and be in control of the situation:

‘What I think often parents don’t recognize is they are and should be in control of the food environment at home and they also have a major impact on how their kids organize their days and what their opportunities for physical activity are,’ Dr. Daniels stated.

‘They ultimately really are in control of that environment,” Dr. Daniels says. “If parents decide what the home environment is like, they can let kids make their own decisions because everything in that environment is healthy.’

Pediatricians should offer education and interaction for all families, the report says, but they should also focus on families that have a history towards obesity:

‘I would hope we would get to a world where legislators in the community or school boards would consult with a pediatrician,” Daniels says. ‘Pediatricians haven’t always seen themselves in that role and haven’t always made themselves available for that. We need to get them to realize they are an important voice in the community.’

“Parents should make sure that the food at home is healthy. Fill the house and serve seasonal fruits and vegetables to give variety to the family’s diet. Avoid processed grains and sugary drinks. Then step away from the control and let children self-regulate on their portions.

You never need to control portions nor should you. Children should learn to and be allowed to self-regulate when it comes to food. I never had a child come in complaining that his stomach hurt from too many apples or Brussels sprouts. What parents can and should control is screen time. I am seeing many children gaining weight this summer because of excessive screen time. Structuring summer days with activities seems to be the best way to get kids moving.”